A leading ADHD support network that operates across Merseyside has bypassed the need for a formal diagnosis to help more than 4000 families, prioritising lived experiences over clinical diagnosis to help families access neurodivergent support.
ADDvanced Solutions Community Network operates across Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens and the Wirral. It offers support, advice and vital guidance for individuals and families navigating the struggles that come with Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
With NHS waiting lists at record highs for ADHD and Autism assessments with some in Merseyside having to wait between three and six years for an ADHD assessment according to QUAY Healthcare, ADDvanced Solutions offers support without an official diagnosis or GP referral.
Director of ADDVanced Solutions, Vanda Reeves, explained that the decision to eliminate these barriers for support is core to the organisations philosophy.
She stated: “We set up ADDvanced Solutions because we understand that not everyone even needs a diagnosis… Everyone is different some people just need support and guidance so we don’t require a referral or diagnosis.”
The open-door policy addresses a critical gap in community healthcare, where long NHS waiting lists often leave families stranded without support for months or even years. ADDvanced Solutions aims to ensure that help is immediate and accessible.
Beyond providing open access resources, the organisation also also aims to actively challenge public misconceptions surrounding neurodivergence. Ms Reeves stresses that widely-believed stereotypes remain a major hurdle for those who are neurodivergent.
She stated: “I think education about neurodivergence is the most important way to challenge the misconceptions… The biggest misconception is regarding intelligence. Most neurodivergent people have average or above-average intelligence.”
This commitment to changing public perceptions is reflected directly within the organisation’s workforce. Rather than relying exclusively on formal academic credentials, ADDvanced Solutions looks to hire those who truly understand the daily realities of neurodiversity.
Ms Reeves Stated: “Most of the people who work with us are neurodivergent themselves or have neurodivergent children. The lived experience is more important to us than formal qualifications.”
This approach has led to a unique, community focused approach to the challenges that neurodivergent individuals and their families face.
Ms Reeves added: “A lot of the people who work for us originally came to us for support and then went on to work for us once a job opportunity opened up.”
This grassroots, community-centred model has delivered support to thousands across Merseyside. “We’ve helped over 4000 people” Ms Reeves confirmed.
As the need for community led support continues to rise across Merseyside, Ms Reeves offered a reassuring message to families who are currently dealing with the struggles that come along with neurodivergence.
She stated: ” An important message for parents who may be feeling overwhelmed and wondering if their child is neurodivergent is, there’s support out there, we operate in Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Warrington and the Wirral”.
For those in need of support you can contact ADDvanced solutions at 0151 486 1788 or the Child Autism UK helpline at 01344 882248.
